1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Wagon

My instrument panel no longer illuminates when the headlights are on. I've checked that it's not dimmed. I'm thinking maybe the fuse has gone.
Which fuse controls this? I looked in the manual but I don't see any specific mention of that fuse in the lists of which fuses control which function.
Thank you.

And how much would THAT cost? I have the same issue. The speedometer and tach are fine (light up), but I can't see my gear selector or heating knobs in the dark. Just bought this used. Anyone know if these are SUPPOSED to light up? There is a small green light underneath each airflow setting (feet, defrost, cabin, feet & cabin etc), but I can't see the settings themselves, or the force of air (0,1,2,3,4) dial. Did these ever illuminate when the car was new? I have no frame of reference having bought the car this way. Same with the gear selector... can't see what gear I'm in at all. I have to assume this used to be backlit somehow. And how much would THAT cost? I have the same issue. The speedometer and tach are fine (light up), but I can't see my gear selector or heating knobs in the dark. Just bought this used. Anyone know if these are SUPPOSED to light up? There is a small green light underneath each airflow setting (feet, defrost, cabin, feet & cabin etc), but I can't see the settings themselves, or the force of air (0,1,2,3,4) dial. Did these ever illuminate when the car was new? I have no frame of reference having bought the car this way. Same with the gear selector... can't see what gear I'm in at all. I have to assume this used to be backlit somehow.

2 Answers

In my galant the problem ended up being resolved by my pulling out the entire instrument panel and all 5 or 6 or 8 bulbs were blown. It cost less than 10 dollars. just be careful though...i removed some of the instrument needles which i didn't need to do and lost one in the dash somewhere and lost some of the calibration as well. the whole panel just comes out and you can remove and insert bulbs easily from the back side. havent resolved the lighting problem with my shift lights though, they come and go and i sometimes cant see the gear finder either. but i can see my gauges now so that is a relief. no more small flashlights........!my gear shifter is center seat on the floor.

Ok I disconnected that wire on accident on my car while installing a radio any idea where that card wired cord plugs into?Ok I disconnected that wire on accident on my car while installing a radio any idea where that card wired cord plugs into?

1 Suggested Answer

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check all ground connctions around/near the headlights for tightness corrosion, also have someone check voltage with headlights on , maybe system is being over charged by the Alternator and blowing the bulbs..

Each head lamp also has it's own relay, you can rule the relay out by swapping the left head light relay with the right head light relay & see if the problem moves to the other side...The relays are also in the same under hood fuse box.